HISTORY OF PASCO COUNTY

Emmaus Baptist Church

Established 1879 - Demised 1937

Section 4, Township 25 South, Range 20 East

Two Miles West of San Antonio, Pasco County, Florida

1879. Works Progress Administration Church Records: Church organized. “Services held under trees and arbors few months
in 1879 during erection of building.” First settled clergyman was Rev. R. E.
Bell who served 1879-1883. In 1940, the location/address was Highway #210,
2 miles N. E. of Pasco (aka Pasco Station) between San Antonio and Pasco.

A 1922 Pasco County bond measure created the Dade City & West Coast Road, a hard surface macadamized road with eight inches of crushed rock, named Pasco Road on December 15, 1923. It became SR 210 about 1939 and SR 52 in the late 1940s. Prior to the early 1920s, Emmaus and Emmaus Baptist Church were served by dirt roads and the Orange Belt Railway (first passenger train through San Antonio in 1888). It became Florida Central & Peninsular in 1896 and Atlantic Coast Line in 1902. [www.landolakes.patch.com,
www.fivay.org/railroads]

1883. An 1883-1884 list of (then) Hernando County schools shows teacher R. E. Bell and trustees J. W. Jackson, G. G. McKendree, and J. S. Glass. Before
Pasco County was created (1887), Hernando County school board minutes show that Robert O. Carter appeared before the board and promised to give
up intoxicants if the board would give him a school, so they assigned him to teach at the Emmaus School. (www.fivay.org/education2.html)

July 11, 1884.Fort Dade Messenger:

BAPTIST CHURCH DIRECTORY - At Emmaus on the second Sabbath and Saturday before in each month at 11 a. m. R. E. Bell, Pastor.

May 17, 1899.Florida Baptist Witness - "Pasco Union - Our union was saddened by the death of Brother Powell. He was pastoring three churches in our association - Richland, Emmaus and Lacoochee - was well beloved by his people." (Note: J. W. H. Powell died April 22, 1899.)

Oct. 18, 1900. The San Antonio Herald: "The construction of the Emmaus Church is being rapidly completed. The Edifice, when finished will be a handsome structure and credit to the congregation." March 22, 2011, email from Nola Langley, wife of Rev. Tom Langley, former DOM, PBA.

1900. Works Progress Administration Church Records: Original building "torn down and the present building was erected." "Wood, painted white, rectangular." Church dedicated.

August 31, 1914. Photo of Emmaus Baptist Church, a gift from Mary Stewart West of Richland Baptist Church to Judith Richbourg Jolly on March 13, 2011. Original found in scrapbook of her mother, Annie Bell Stewart.

March 1920. School board members, county superintendent, and attendance officer inspected the schools in western Pasco County. Their notes show “EMMAUS, attendance small, account sickness. Work in school was good.”

1920. Pasco Baptist Association - No minutes on microfilm.

1921. Pasco Baptist Association - Not in stat tables; not in roll call.

1921. Did Emmaus become a Landmark church, as some in Pasco Baptist Association did? In response to the SBC 75 million campaign, The Florida State Association of (Original Landmark) Missionary Baptist Churches was "was organized at First Missionary Baptist Church, Auburndale, Florida" in 1920. In 1921, O. N. Williams, former EBC pastor, was listed in the 1921 FSA records.)

Feb. 11, 1921.Dade City Banner:

THROUGH THE HEART OF PASCO

Beginning at Trilby the country along the Atlantic Coast Line railway west through the heart of this country is a clean looking region. The farm houses are unusually good, most of them painted white. The people are smart and wide-awake.

Country Church And School

They are two miles west of San Antonio on the Atlantic Coast Line railway. The church is a good one. In it are large ornamental pews and a good organ. Back of the pulpit and across the wall is a large motto, which reads as follows: “Our Country for Jesus.” I say, Amen. Fine large shade trees around the church and under some of these are good looking graves where rest the ashes of those men, women and children who have “gone on before.” The cemetery is to the rear and on either side of the sanctuary. Nice little steeple on the church.

A few rods east of the church is the school house. It has an excellent teacher's desk, large black board and maps. The scholars' desks are first class, single, rosewood with iron legs.

The Emmaus church and school. Between the two and in front is an unusually good well. It is built solid and tight of brick. The brick-work comes up six feet above the ground around it, and the brick is heavily plastered on the outside, which gives it the lasting appearance of stone. The water serves both school and church.

The Emmaus place with these two public blessings, is a cheerful and pretty spot where grown-ups and children love to go.

Mar. 14, 1924.Dade City Banner: “EMMAUS BAPTIST CHURCH - There will be preaching at Emmaus Baptist church near Pasco next Sunday morning at eleven o'clock, March 16, by Rev. L. Chitty. Everybody invited to attend.” (Note, Rev. Chitty, a former SBC/FBC minister, became part of the 1920/1921 Landmark group.)

1924. Works Progress Administration Church Records - "Church reorganized 1924, came back to former building, 16 members present, appointing of Deacons, Trustees, Clerk. Deed was made to Southern Baptist Convention. Prior to that time property had belonged to Emmeus (sic) Baptist Church."

Nov. 12, 1924.Tampa Tribune:

PASCO STATION, Nov. 15. - The members of the Ladies Missionary societies of Emmaus and Pasco Baptist churches met at the home of Mrs. R. B. McKendree last Wednesday and spent the day quilting for the Orphanage at Arcadia. At noon a bountiful dinner consisting of chicken pilau, salads, entrees, cakes, pies, and other dainties were served to the great enjoyment of all present. Those participating in this pleasant affair were Mesdames T. R. Alexander, P. J. McKendree, W. R. McNatt, J. F. Bates, Mrs. D. D. Helveston and little Miss Mary Johnson.

June 21, 1925. Deed Book 66/Page 137, Pasco County, Florida.

J. W. HUDSON AND T. R. ALEXANDER TO FLA. BAPTIST CONVENTION, INC.

THIS INDENTURE, made this 21st day of July 1925, between J. W. Hudson and T. R. Alexander as Trustee for the Emmaus Missionary Baptist Church of the County of Pasco and State of Florida, party of the first part and Florida Baptist Convention Incorporated of the State of Florida, parties of the second part, in Trust,

WITNESSETH: That the said parties of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of $10. 00 to them in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have bargained, sold and transferred, and by these presents do bargain, sell and transfer unto the said parties of the second part, as trustee as aforesaid and their successors and assigns forever, all that certain parcel of land lying and being in the County of Pasco and State of Florida, and more particularly described as follows:

Southwest quarter of southeast quarter of southeast quarter of section 4, township 25 south of range 20 east. Same being ten acres more or less.

The above described property to be used by Florida Baptist Convention, Incorporated in any way they may see fit and they have the right to sell or otherwise dispose of said land under the conditions only that all the proceeds of said sale of said property or otherwise shall be used in Pasco County in the interest of the Baptist Cause. Land now used as cemetery to be reserved as cemetery forever.

TOGETHER with all the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances with every privilege, right, title interest and estate, dower and right of dower, reversion, remainder and easement thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same as trustee as aforesaid in fee simple forever;

And the said parties of the first part do covenant with the said parties of the second part, that they are lawfully seized of said premises; that they are free of all incumbrances and that they have good right and lawful authority to sell the same; and that they will warrant and defend the same against the lawful claims of all persons:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written."

I HEREBY CERTIFY, That on this 21st day of July 1925, personally appeared before me J. W. Hudson and T. R. Alexander to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing deed, and acknowledged the execution thereof to be their free act and deed and for the uses and purposes therein mentioned;

And we, J. W. Hudson and T. R. Alexander hereby acknowledge that I executed the foregoing instrument as Trustee for the Emmaus Missionary Baptist Church for and on behalf of the Emmaus Missionary Baptist Church for the uses and purposes therein expressed.

WITNESS my signature and official seal at Dade City, in the County of Pasco and State of Florida the day and year last aforesaid."

Official Seal) A. J. Burnside

Clerk Circuit Court, Pasco Co., Fla.

Filed for record July 21, 1925 (Signed) A. J. Burnside, CLERK

By (Signed) Catherine H. McIntosh, D. C.

Aug. 14, 1925.Dade City Banner:

SERVICE AT EMMAUS CHURCH ON SUNDAY

Services at Emmaus Church next Sunday will be as follows: Sunday school 10:30 a. m. Dinner served on the grounds. Preaching by Rev. J. N. Vandiver at 2 p. m. Everybody is invited.

Emmaus, July 27. - Sunday school was held here Sunday morning, after which a bountiful dinner was served. Then at 2 o'clock the program of the Sunday
afternoon inspirational meetings of the Pasco County Association began. The meeting was opened with prayer and praise service by D. P. Jenkins, followed by an instructive and inspiring talk on 'Religion in the Home,' by Dr. E. L. Wesson of Zephyrhills. This was, in turn, followed by a talk on the 'Every Member Church Canvass; by the Rev. J. N. Vandiver, which was very helpful and a talk on 'Church Revivals,' by the Rev. J. C. Bishop of Lacoochee, was very much enjoyed.

A short talk on 'How to Build Up a Sunday School,' by J. F. Weaver
of Pasco, was decided upon as being the best talk given, although an address
on 'How to Make a B. Y. P. U. Go,' by D. P. Jenkins, and other talks given were
very interesting. The Rev. A. B. Paul of Pasco spoke on 'The Value of Mid-week
Prayer Meetings' and Mrs. J. N. Vandiver made an excellent talk on 'How to
Meet Our W. M. U. Appointments. '

The song service by a quartet composed of the following gentlemen
of Dade City was very much appreciated: D. P. Jenkins, Mr. Brown, Mr. Moore
and Mr. Smith. Also the music furnished by B. C. Small of Zephyrhills was
greatly enjoyed.

Sunday school will be held here next Sunday at 11 a. m. in order that those who desire may attend the meeting at 2 o'clock in Zephyrhills.

Emmaus, May 28. - Emmaus W. M. S. met at the home of Mrs. A. A. Abbott Friday afternoon. It was decided at this meeting that the Y. W. A. 's meet with the
ladies during the summer, to be at the church Friday before the second Sunday in each month. At the next meeting June 8 there will be a contest between the
W. M. S. and Y. W. A. at which time the ladies of the Pasco W. M. S. are invited to judge which organization puts on the best program.

The B. Y. P. U. will complete their study course and take the examination next Wednesday night.

There will be preaching and communion service by the pastor, Rev. Rogers (Rodgers), if he is able to be there. He was moved from the hospital a week or ten days ago, but at this writing does not know whether he will be able to preach Sunday.

March 13 - Rev. C. C. Hancock of Socrum, will fill his regular appointment here at the church Sunday. Dinner will be served at the noon hour. In the afternoon Mrs. A. J. Reinhart of Dade City will give a talk on missions. We hope to have a large attendance. Visitors are always welcome.

Sept. 6, 1935.Dade City Banner:

Church To Be Host To Former Members

The Emmaus Baptist church, one of the oldest churches in Pasco county,
will be host to all its former members and friends and all the relatives and
friends of those who rest in the church cemetery.

The Sunday school which is celebrating its second anniversary on this
date will meet at 10 o'clock. Mr. T. R. Alexander, superintendent, will give a
brief history of the church. F. C. Smelt, adult Bible teacher, will discuss briefly
the Golden Text of the day's Sunday School lesson. Mr. Geo. Smelt of Tampa
will discuss "The Value of Early Training." The Rev. Charles Hancock, pastor,
will preach the sermon of the day at 11 o'clock.

A basket dinner will be served at noon. After the noon hour a song
service will be enjoyed. This feature, under the direction of Francis Smelt is
one of the monthly highlights of the Emmaus program. Each visitor will be
given the opportunity to relate some of his or her experiences while attending
this church.

A committee named by the superintendent to advertise this meeting
and to invite all old timers possible includes, Mrs. Tucker, Mrs. R. C. Sessoms
and F. C. Smelt.

Emmaus church is located ten miles west of Dade City between San
Antonio and Pasco Station. A sign on road 210 will show where to turn off.
Every old timer is invited to come. Bring your friends and a basket of dinner.

“Come worship with us. We will do you good.”

Sept. 20, 1935.Dade City Banner:

HOMECOMING ATTRACTS HUNDREDS

Former Members From Many Sections Attend Ceremonies At Emmaus Sunday

The Emmaus Home coming last Sunday attracted about two hundred former members and friends from all parts of central Florida. The church was
comfortably filled and a number of persons remained outside.

Francis Smelt led the Sunday School speaking on the Golden Text. Mr. Geo. Smelt of Tampa spoke on 'Timothy and Emmaus church. ' Mr. T. R. Alexander
gave a brief history of the church. He gave the date of the organization of
the church as 1880. The Rev. Hancock, pastor, surrendered his pulpit to
Rev. Darrow, a former pastor, who preached on the subject, “The Last Days.”

A bountiful dinner was served at noon. After dinner the crowd returned
to the church for a song service and to listen to old timers tell of old experiences.
A. J. Hayman, the only surviving charter member known, was the first speaker.

He told the congregation that he was eighty-two years old and was superintendent
of the Sunday School when T. R. Alexander was a small boy. Rev. Rogers (Rodgers), another former pastor, spoke briefly and others who spoke included: Mr. Sellars, Mr. J. R. A. Williams, whose father was a former pastor, and others.

Many young people whose parents and grandparents were former members came to visit the old church.

1939. Works Progress Administration Church Records - T. R. Alexander (author) "History of Emmaus Baptist Church, 1879-1937." "Written in 1939. In 'Church Record' book in custody of T. R. Alexander, RFD #2, Dade City, Fla. (Despite much effort, this book has not been located. Very likely, it no longer exists. JRJ.)

ca. 1941. "People had begun to move away (from the Emmaus community) during
1941 WWII into Tampa to work at the shipyards and in other more steady work, so
eventually there was not enough financial stability in the community where
Emmaus was located." (April 14, 2012, phone conversation with Mr. Ted Williams, Dade City, former Pasco County Property Appraiser and descendant
of J. W. and Martha Jackson, pioneer EBC members.)

1942. Pasco Baptist Association - Item 21. "Rev. Tyner reported that the Dade City church has paid the
State Board $100 for the old Emmaus Church Building, and according to the
trust agreement concerning the building, said money is to be used for Pasco
Association. Motion was made and carried that a committee be appointed to
recommend proper disposal of the money." (page 10)

1943. Pasco Baptist Association - Executive Committee Minutes - Item 11. "The recommendation of the
executive committee concerning the sale of the Emans Church building and
the one hundred dollars received. Upon a motion by Bro. S. S. Mathis and
second by Bro. D. F. Barry (died December 30, 1941), the money was to
be used for missionary purposes within the association at the discretion of
the executive committee - voted and carried." (page 4)

1948. Pasco Baptist Association - Item 8. "Motion was made that when a buyer is found for the old
Emmaus property, that the moderator and clerk be authorized to sign the
deeds. Motion adopted." (page 9)

Executive Committee Recommendation - "That the association authorize
the sale of the land upon which the old Emmaus Church stood. The building
has been torn away and the land can have no value to the association.
Respectfully submitted: S. S. Mathis, Chairman." (page 16)

1949. Those who remained in the Emmaus community scattered as a result of the 1949 open range legislation. The people had one year to fence their cattle, and it was a financial hardship for the smaller cattlemen. (April 14, 2012, phone conversation with Mr. Ted Williams, Dade City. See 1941 citation.)

1949. Pasco Baptist Association - "The matter of disposing of the old Emmaus property was called to
the attention of the Association. Motion was made that a committee composed
of Brothers Gilbert, Burnett, and Tyner, be elected to investigate this matter
and report to the Executive Committee." (Note: No later report discovered.)
(Perhaps FBC owned only the building; not the land. See 1960 Florida Baptist State Convention Annual deed.)

Nov. 1, 1960. OR 159/Pages 404-406, Pasco County, Florida

AGREEMENT FOR DEED

ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the 1st day
of November, A. D. 1960, between the FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION, a
non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida, of 1230 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville 7, Duval County, Florida, party of the first part, and, WARREN C. WARDER and MARY L. WARDER, husband and wife, whose address is Route 2, Box 407, Dade City, Pasco County, Florida, parties of the second part.

WITNESSETH, that if the parties of the second part shall first make the payments and perform the covenants hereinafter mentioned on their part to be made and performed, the said party of the first part hereby covenants and agrees to convey and assure to the said parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, in fee simple, by a good and sufficient special warranty deed, the parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Pasco County, Florida known and described as follows, to-wit:

That portion of the Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of the
Southeast Quarter (SE 1/4) of the Southeast Quarter
(SE 1/4) of Section Four (4), Township Twenty-five (25)
South, Range Twenty (20) East, lying to the South of
the Railroad Right of Way as now existing.

and the said parties of the second part hereby covenant and agree to pay to the party of the first part the sum of Two Hundred Fifty ($250. 00) Dollars therefor, in the manner following, to-wit: Fifty ($50. 00) Dollars, receipt of which the party of the first hereby acknowledges, and the balance of Two Hundred ($200. 00) Dollars to be paid in quarter-annual installments of Twenty-five ($25. 00) Dollars each, the first installment to be paid on the 1st day of February, A. D. 1961 and on the 1st day of May, August and November, A. D. 1961 and on the 1st day of February, May, August and November, A. D. 1962; and to pay all taxes, assessments or impositions that may be legally levied or imposed upon said land subsequent to the year 1960. And in case of failure of the said parties of the second part to make either of the payments or any part thereof promptly when due, or to perform any of the covenants on their part hereby made and entered into, this contract, at the option of the party of the first part, shall be forfeited and terminated, and the parties of the second part shall forfeit all payments made by them on this contract; and such payments shall be retained by the party of the first part in full satisfaction and liquidation of all damages by it (unreadable), and also for rental of said land, which payments the parties of the second part stipulate and agree constitute the fair rental value for the property; and said party of the first part shall have the right to re-enter and take possession of the premises aforesaid without being liable to any action therefor. That should it become necessary to bring any action for any default or for the recovery of the property the parties of the second part hereby covenant and agree to pay all costs and expenses of any such action, including reasonable attorney's fees and for cost of abstract.

It is mutually covenanted and agreed, by and between the parties hereto, that the time of payment shall be of the essence, and that all covenants and agreements herein contained shall extend to and be obligatory upon the successors, heirs, legal representatives and assigns of the respective parties. Further, that the party of the first part shall not be required to furnish any survey, abstracts or title insurance in connection with said sale and purchase.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the party of the first part has caused these presents to be signed in its name by its officers and its corporate seal to be affixed, all as duly authorized, and the parties of the second part have hereunto set their hands and seals as of the day and year first above written.

THIS INDENTURE, Made this 5th day of November, A. D. 1962, between the FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION, a non-profit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida, of the County of Duval and State of Florida, party of the first part, and WARREN C. WARDER and MARY L. WARDER, husband and wife, whose address is Route 4, Box 407, Dade City, Florida, of the County of Pasco and State of Florida, parties of the second part,

WITNESSETH, that the party of the first part for an in consideration of the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty ($250. 00) Dollars, to it in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, has granted, bargained, sold and conveyed, and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns forever, all that certain parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Pasco County, Florida, known and described as follows to-wit:

That portion of the Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of the Southeast Quarter (SE 1/4)
of the Southeast Quarter (SE 1/4) of Section Four (4), Township Twenty-five (25) South,
Range Twenty (20) East, lying to the South of the Railroad Right of Way as now existing.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same in fee simple forever.

This deed is being given in performance of Agreement for Deed, dated the 1st day of November, A. D. 1960, between the parties; and the party of the first part does hereby warrant the title to said land and will defend the same against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever, by, through or under the Grantor herein, but not otherwise, subject only to any assessments for taxes or otherwise subsequent to the year 1960 and any acts of deeds of the Grantees herein or which may result therefrom.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the party of the first part has caused these presents to be signed in its name by its President and its corporate seal to be affixed, attested by its Executive Secretary-Treasurer, thereunto duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.

FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION

(CORPORATE SEAL) By (signed) Henry A. Parker
President

Attest (signed) Jno. Maguire
Executive Secretary-Treasurer

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of:
(signed) Kathy Thompson
(signed) Mrs. Alvin L. Mose
As to President

(signed) Unreadable
(signed) May Belle Riley
As to Executive Secretary-Treasurer

Closure of the railroad that ran between the church and cemetery
1970 property, per April 14, 2012, phone conversation with Mr. Ted Williams. Per
May 26, 2012, letter, "The railroad tied Trilby, San Antonio (Emmaus)/St. Leo, Pasco Station, Ehren (pronounced Aaron), Drexel, Odessa and Clearwater together somewhere near 1900."

1978. "This depot—San Antonio's third—replaced a 1927 facility which burned
in 1948. It is the last one remaining on the Orange Belt Railway which crossed
Pasco County in 1888 to connect the St. Johns with the Gulf. The tracks were removed in 1978 . . . ." Copied from historical marker placed on the building in 1993 by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners and the Pasco County Historical Preservation Committee." (www.sanantoniofl.com)

Oct. 28, 1980. Letter from Tom Langley, Pasco Baptist Association Director of Missions, to
William J. Guess, Director, Church Extension, FBC.
The record of Emmaus Cemetery, Pasco County, reveals that the
original gift was 10 acres MOL (SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 of SE 1/4: 4-25-20)
(DB66-137-138). A Railroad right of way was given and later (DB9-68)
all of the land south of the RR was sold by the Convention (OR159-404 Ag)
(OR217-269) Warr. Deed - Part South of the RR. The remaining land
3 acres MOL is known as the Emmaus Cemetery. . .

The cemetery is rarely used, unkept and no one really knows who gives permission for burial. One acre could probably be taken out without violating
the restrictions in the deed. The location makes it undesirable for a church site
at this time.

(Note: Above letter written in response to letter of inquiry from James Alexander,
descendant of T. R. Alexander, to the Florida Baptist Convention, regarding whose responsibility it was to care for the cemetery)

1988. Chain link fencing put around the cemetery by Dixie Wells, assisted
by Mr. Ted Williams, former Pasco County Property Appraiser, per my
phone conversation with Mr. Williams on April 14, 2012.

Jan. 21, 1996. ". . . the State Board of Missions approved the transfer of
nine Convention-owned properties to Florida Baptist Financial Services, which
properties were to be used for capitalizing loans to new churches. The Emmaus
Cemetery of Pasco County was one of those properties." (January 25, 2012,
email from Don Hepburn, FBC, to Judith R. Jolly, researcher/member of Board
of Directors, Florida Baptist Historical Society)

Jan. 2, 1997. OR 4027/Page 1529, Pasco, Florida - Quitclaim Deed.
The Florida Baptist Convention "remised, released and quitclaimed . . . all
the right, title, interest, claims and demands . . . party of the first part has in
and to the following described land . . . Begin at the northeast corner of that
certain tract of real property known as Emmaus Cemetery a distance of
48 feet, thence run a distance of 65 feet for point of beginning, thence run West
10 feet, thence run South 20 feet, thence run East 10 feet, thence run North 20
feet to Point of Beginning" to Brad Michel Short, 4416 Pocahontas Drive,
Dade City, Florida 33525.

Mar. 22, 1999. Email from Audrey Abreu, member of San Antonio Community Church "I know the state asked San Ann to take over when we built the church. (SACC constituted November 1999. Building erected a few years thereafter.)

Mar. 22, 2011. Email from Nola and Tom Langley, former DOM, PBA.
"When Tom as DOM, FBC wanted Pasco Baptist Association to take ownership and be responsible
for taking care of cemetery. Pasco Baptist Association decided not to accept or assume responsibility
of the cemetery." (Rev. Tom Langley was DOM, PBA, 1973-1984.)

Jan. 21, 2012. Conversation with Rev. John Kuespert, DOM, PBA.
"The FBC has offered/would like to transfer the cemetery property to PBA
so that it may be better maintained, but Pasco Baptist Association is unable to assume that
responsibility."

April 14, 2012. Phone conversation with Mr. Ted Williams, Dade City.
As a young boy he attended 5th Sunday sings and dinner on the grounds with
his family. He said the church was located "right where those oak trees are,"
in front of cemetery. Again, I asked about driving toward the cemetery on the dirt road and asked, "Where would I see the church?" He replied, "Right in front of the cemetery, right where those oak trees are."

The following two photographs were taken March 19, 2011, and September 26, 2012,
by Judith R. Jolly, Dade City, member, Board of Directors, Florida Baptist Historical Society.

Traveling west on State Road 52 in Pasco County, Florida, not too far from
Interstate 75, Emmaus Cemetery Road is on the right. Turn north/right
on the road and travel the distance. It will eventually turn west/left and
go into a wooded area which is the site of the Emmaus church/cemetery property.

At the end of the dirt road is a clearing, behind which are some trees and
the old cemetery, unseen in this photo. The property bought by the Warders
in 1962, also unseen in this photo, is left/south of the dirt road.

An aerial view of the Emmaus Baptist Church property, the larger
7-acre tract bought by the Warders in 1962.
It is on the left/south side of the railroad right-of-way.
At right is the smaller 3-acre tract which was and still is
the Emmaus Cemetery property.
It is on the right/north side of the railroad right-of-way.

Emmaus Cemetery Sign, September 26, 2012.
Photo by Judith R. Jolly, Dade City, Florida
Member, Board of Directors, FBHS.
The cemetery was very overgrown, much different than
it was when we visited on March 19, 2011, some one and a half years earlier.

Addendum:

September 26, 2012. As a result of posting pictures on Facebook of our visit today to the cemetery and finding it totally overgrown and almost unrecognizable, I was contacted by Mr. Jim Hendry, Dade City. Per his request, I contacted Rev. Eddie L. McClelland, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Florida Baptist Foundation, Florida Baptist Convention, Jacksonville. Rev. McClelland gave grateful permission for Mr. Hendry and his Bible study class at Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa, to 'adopt' the Emmaus Cemetery as an ongoing maintenance project. It is most fitting that Mr. Hendry's Bible study class is the Emmaus Road Adult Bible Fellowship.

November 3, 2012. About 20 members of Idlewild's Emmaus Road class, including Mr. Hendry, organizer, Mr. Jim Willis, teacher, and Mr. Marcus Smith, director, met early at Emmaus Cemetery for a workday. They were joined by Rev. Lawson Jolly and Mrs. Judith Jolly, Florida Baptist Historical Society, and Rev. John Kuespert, Director of Pasco Baptist Association, and his wife Mrs. Melissa Kuespert. After several hours of work the cemetery was once again the beautiful and serene place it was originally intended to be.

Mr. Hendry indicated the class members hoped to make the workday a biannual project, with the next date likely coming in late spring/early summer 2013.

A deed from 1883 shows that John G. Howell and wife Elizabeth Ann Howell donated land for the
Emmaus church. Elizabeth
Ann Burnham Jackson Howell was a widow (and second wife) of William Staten
Jackson. Emmaus trustee James W. Jackson was son of Elizabeth Ann, and
stepson of John G. Howell. James and his wife, Martha Goss, are buried
at Emmaus Cemetery. (Information from Patricia Raposa.)